Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is using John McCain, an Arizona Republican, in a robocall to blast Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker, as “dangerous,” part of Mr. Romney’s effort to blanket South Carolina in robocalls ahead of the state’s upcoming primary election on Saturday.
“Newt Gingrich has experienced a lot of backlash over the last few days for his attacks on capitalism and Republican principles, and rightfully so,” says Mr. McCain in a robocall made for the Romney campaign. “He must have forgotten that Republicans stand up for free enterprise and a strong work ethic.”
“Newt Gingrich should know better than to use the dangerous anti-capitalism rhetoric used by the Democrats. He’s using talking points straight out of Barack Obama’s campaign playbook,” the Arizona Republican adds. “It’s finally time we sent him a strong message — this behavior is unacceptable.”
Mr. Romney has increased his attacks on Mr. Gingrich in recent days, as the former House speaker has increased his criticism of his Republican opponents. Mr. Gingrich received the endorsement of Texas Republican Governor Rick Perry on Thursday, who announced that he would end his campaign for the Republican nomination, citing low poll numbers and weak showings in the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary.
Mr. McCain, who endorsed Mr. Romney’s campaign earlier this month, has increased his presence in the 2012 campaign as Mr. Romney continues to seem poised to capture the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. Polls continue to show Mr. Romney well ahead of his Republican rivals in the state of South Carolina. The Massachusetts Republican has focused his campaign’s resources in recent weeks, launching statewide ad buys and robocalls aimed at securing support ahead of Saturday’s primary.
